The ex-pop star says she gets embarrassed looking back at old pictures of herself

Samantha Mumba thought she was the "bees knees" during her pop career - but she now looks at old photos of herself and cringes.

The pop singer said: "It's like looking at a little baby. I'm like 'What are you wearing?' and then I think, 'Oh God love her.'

"I thought I was the bees knees back then."

Samantha Mumba on holiday in Florida last year - just three months after she gave birth

The Gotta Tell you singer burst on to the international pop scene in 2000 and the singer said "it was an amazing experience, I have lots of stories to tell."

But her embarrassment hasn't put her off the limelight - and she recently announced she's ready to bring out a new album.

The mum-of-one told the Irish Daily Star: "Things are really good. I obviously have now taken a little bit of a break and it is only now that she [her daughter] is a little bit older, I can do more things.

"I have been back in the studio more and figuring stuff out. It is on my terms and I'm writing a lot.

"Certainly I don't want to put a time-frame on it but I would hope to have an album out next year."

The 33-year-old also has her sights set on the silver screen, adding: "I'm going to a little bit of TV work . . I can't say much about it."

Samantha Mumba with her baby Sage

The proud mum also opened up about how much she is enjoying motherhood since her daughter, Sage was born 16 months ago.

Samantha added: "I'm actually really, really happy since becoming a mother. I have just found my entire purpose. I still have passions but in terms of purpose - it is to be her mother."